Built in 1886-1887, Goods Island Lighthouse was constructed to assist vessels traversing the Torres Strait. The lighthouse is notable for its heritage significance and was placed on the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004 for its association with the maritime history of the Torres Strait. It is also notable for its rarity as being the only known lighthouse to have been constructed entirely by the Queensland State Government, and its retention of the principal characteristics of a late 19th century lighthouse.
Situated approximately 5.3 kilometres north-west of Thursday Island, the lighthouse stands on Goods Island (Palilag), a two kilometre long, uninhabited Island within the Torres Strait. The lighthouse was constructed by the Queensland State Government in 1886 and the light was first exhibited in 1887. As a working aid to navigation (AtoN), the lighthouse tower is operated and managed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
The lighthouse was fitted with an 1886 Chance Brother & Co. 250mm fixed lens on a cast iron pedestal, and the lighthouse has retained this original assembly. The light operates on an automated mechanism as part of AMSA’s network of AtoN, and equipment is serviced by AMSA’s maintenance contractor who visits at least once per year. AMSA officers visit on an ad hoc basis for auditing, project and community liaison purposes.
This heritage management plan concerns the lighthouse tower, however it also addresses the management of the surrounding precinct and land. The plan is intended to guide AMSA’s decisions and actions. AMSA has prepared this plan to integrate the heritage values of the lighthouse in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Cth (EPBC Act), and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 Cth (EPBC Regulations).
Being well built and generally well maintained, the lighthouse precinct is in relatively good, stable condition. The policies and management guidelines set out in this heritage management plan strive to ensure that the Commonwealth heritage values of Goods Island Lighthouse are recognised, maintained, and preserved for future generations.